BISHKEK DECLARATION


The heads of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as
the SCO or the Organization) - the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the
Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of
Uzbekistan, guided by common or similar approaches to the key problems of the present, at the
Meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on August 16, 2007 in Bishkek,
declare the following:
Processes of globalization that are gaining momentum, reinforce the interdependence of states,
making their security and development indivisible as a result. Today's security threats and
challenges can be effectively addressed through the joint efforts of the international community
on the basis of agreed principles and in the framework of multilateral mechanisms. Unilateral
actions cannot resolve existing problems.
An effective global security system can only be created under the UN auspices and in strict
compliance with its Charter.
Cooperation in addressing new challenges and threats should be carried out consistently, without
resorting to double standards, in strict observance of the norms of international law.
Such tasks as ensuring stable global economy, reducing poverty, leveling of social and economic
development, ensuring economic, environmental, energy and information security, as well as
protecting the population and territory of the Organization’s member states from natural and
manmade emergencies.
The SCO member states advocate creating a security architecture on the basis of generally
accepted norms of international law that will:
    reflect the balance of interests of all participants of international relations;
    guarantee each member state the right to independent choose its way of development
     based on its own historical experience and national specificity, protect its unity and
     national dignity and equally participate in international affairs;
    guarantee the settlement of international and regional conflicts and crises through
     political and diplomatic means in strict compliance with the principles and norms of
     international law and with consideration of legitimate interests of all parties concerned;
    preserve the diversity of cultures and civilizations and encourage implementation of
     initiatives aimed at enhancing the dialogue between civilizations and religions.
The SCO member states intend to cooperate closely in addressing the UN reform issues. The
reform of this global Organization, particularly of its Security Council, should be based on the
broadest possible consensus of its members. Successful cooperation in this area is key to full
realization of the aspiration of all the SCO member states towards comprehensive strengthening
of the role of the United Nations and reaffirming the central position of its Security Council in
maintaining international peace and security.
The SCO Member States consistently stand for strengthening strategic stability, non-proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction and consider important and urgent to draft an international legal
instrument on preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space and on the use of force or
threat of force against outer space objects.
The heads of state note the importance of concluding the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone (September 8, 2006, Semipalatinsk) and welcome the adoption by the 61st session of the
UN General Assembly of a respective resolution that highly appreciates the contribution of the
Central Asian countries to the consolidation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, promotion
of cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, as well as strengthening of regional and
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international peace and security.
The heads of state support the efforts of the states parties to the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-
Free Zone Treaty towards conclusion with countries possessing nuclear weapons of the Protocol
on security guarantees which would ensure genuine existence of a nuclear free zone in the
region.
Recognizing the catalytic role of the rapid development and massive use of information
technologies for the social progress of mankind, the SCO member states express concern over
the threat of their use for purposes inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international
stability and security.
The SCO member states stand ready to develop cooperation and step up joint efforts to
strengthen international information security in all its aspects.
The heads of state believe that stability and security in Central Asia can be ensured primarily by
the states of the region based on regional and international organizations already established
therein.
The member states note the need for collective efforts to address new challenges and threats.
They express their appreciation for the activities of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure and
believe that it has great potential to further improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism,
separatism and extremism.
Expressing concerns over the drug threat emanating from Afghanistan and its negative impact on
the Central Asian region, the heads of state call for consistent strengthening of anti-drug
cooperation within the Organization, combining international efforts on the creation of anti-drug
security belts” around Afghanistan. The SCO member states stand ready to take part in efforts to
normalize the political situation in Afghanistan and develop economic cooperation with the
country. The Contact Group SCO - Afghanistan will be revitalized.
The heads of the SCO member states note the important role of energy sector as a basis for
sustainable economic growth and security and attach special importance to strengthening
cooperation in this area. Reliable and mutually beneficial partnership in various areas of the
energy sector will contribute to security and stability both in the SCO region and globally.
Comparison of energy strategies in the SCO framework seems to be an important task. Within
the available resources, demand, opportunities and potential, the SCO member states will
continue to promote dialogue on energy issues and practical cooperation among energy-
producing, transit and consumer states..
The SCO member states have confirmed their readiness to provide mutual practical assistance to
each other in implementing national programs of economic development.
The SCO member states reiterate that the Organization is open for cooperation with all interested
partners on the basis of international law and universally recognized norms of international
relations in order to find mutually acceptable solutions to urgent problems of our time.




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